For information call Games Secretary Norman Wood 01952 727615

For information, call Games Secretary Norman Wood (01952 727615).3711 JULY: BRITISH GRAND PRIXA year ago, Michael Schumacher (above) ploughed through the rain to beat the eventual world champion, Mika Hakkinen, with Ferrari's Irishman Eddie Irvine close behind. Tough choice, that.Where: Pamplona, Spain.Tickets? No tickets needed. For information about travelling to Spain, contact the tourist board on 0171-486 8077.369-11 JULY: MUCH WENLOCK GAMESThe place in sporting history of this sleepy Shropshire town will forever be secure since a visit by Baron Pierre de Coubertin (above), around a century ago, gave him the idea for the modern Olympic Games. Events in the first Games, in 1851, included chasing a pig through the town.

The 113th, this year, will attract around 2,000 athletes with a full track and field programme, cricket, karate, volleyball, bowls and a triathlon.Where: Much WenlockTickets? None necessary. At 8am every day during the festival, the mayor sets off a rocket and the runners start running Exactly a minute later, the bulls give chase You can watch or you can run. Website: http://hickstead.co.uk/357-14 JULY: PAMPLONA BULL RUNNINGThe Festival of San Fermin (known commonly as the Running of the Bulls) has been the stuff of legends ever since Hemingway made the Festival famous with The Sun Also Rises. Prices from pounds 30 for the weekend including parking to pounds 25 for Sunday only.335-11 JULY: HURLINGHAM BRITISH OPENThe world's premier croquet event takes place in 40 acres of Thames-side, peacock-roamed gardens at the height of summer. Will Robert Fulford, the reigning champion, be able to defend his title? Will the honours go to his doubles partner, Chris Clarke, or even the loud but lovable David "The Beast" Maugham? Go along and find out.Where: The Hurlingham Club, Ranelagh Gardens, London SW6.Tickets? Enquiries on 0171-736 3148; tickets available on the gate.347-11 JULY: ROYAL INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOWThe biggest equestrian event of the year sees the Nations' Cup contested on the Friday, the Queen Elizabeth II Cup on the Saturday and the King George VI Gold Cup on the Sunday. Watch out for Australia's Mick Doohan (above), the reigning 500cc world champion, on his Honda, and Max Biaggi, the Italian maestro, who rides a Yamaha.Where: Donington Park, Castle Donington, Derbyshire.Tickets? Call 01332 810048 (general information) Tel: 0115 9129124 (credit card hotline).

Website: http:// www.sonkajarvi.fi:1997/323-4 JULY: DONINGTON MOTORCYCLE GRAND PRIXA good day out or weekend away for those turned on by an engine on two wheels. Further information from the Finnish tourist board in London (0171-839 4048) or the Sonkajarvi information office in Finland (00 358 17 822 346). Official Tour website: http:// www.letour.fr/313 JULY: WORLD WIFE-CARRYING CHAMPIONSHIPSBased on a strange 19th-century custom, the annual wife-carrying championships involve contestants carrying their wives (which do not have to be their own, but must be over 17) up a mountain track The winner receives his wife's weight in beer. Website: http:// www.sienanet.it/palio/303-25 JULY: TOUR DE FRANCESetting off from Le Puy de Fou in the Vendee region, this tour (won last year by Marco Pantani, above) has four high mountain stages. The Alpine ones are always great to watch, and this year come before the Pyrenees, providing two fantastic mountain stages, the first to Sestriere followed by a classic stage to L'Alpe d'Huez on Bastille Day.

Failing that, get to the Champs-Elysees on the final day very early to secure a vantage point for the mad sprint finish.Where: France Tickets? None necessary. Graham Baxter Sporting Tours in Wharfedale (0113 284 3617 or http:// www.sportingtours.co.uk/) are organising 14 assorted trips to this year's Tour. You'll have to book your accommodation well in advance, even if you're travelling in from Florence or Pisa.Where: Siena, Italy.Tickets? None necessary Siena Tourist Office: 00 39 0577 280551. The race only lasts a few minutes, but the festivities commence hours beforehand and continue into the night.